ANIMAL lovers can make it a very merry Christmas for their canine and feline friends by helping the RSPCA's annual food appeal.

Shoppers will notice bright yellow wheelie bins strategically placed in 18 shops and supermarkets across Coventry, where they are invited to donate tins of cat or dog food while stocking up for Christmas.

The food will go to the animals at Coventry's RSPCA Centre in Coundon Wedge Drive, Allesley, which works to find new homes for more than 1,600 unwanted pets each year.

A new 36-pen cattery, holding up to 66 cats, has increased the number of animals passing through the centre and made public support more important than ever.

Ian Kerr, a trustee of the centre, said: "In the coming year about 50,000 feeds will be given to cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, mice, hamsters and other unwanted pets.

"We rely greatly on the generosity of animal lovers in Coventry as the demand for food is massive."

With Christmas approaching, Mr Kerr urged people to remember that animals are not toys and called on them not to give pets as presents.

"They require care and attention every day of their lives and that costs, not just in money but time and affection too," he said.

Coventry RSPCA will not adopt animals during the Christmas period. The final date for adoption this year is on Sunday.

Stores taking part in the pet food appeal include the Co-op in Queen Victoria Road, city centre, Morrisons in Binley, Pets At Home at the Gallagher Retail Park, Safeway in London Road, Whitley, Tesco in Cannon Park and Sainsbury's, Fletchampstead Highway. Any stores interested in taking part should phone 02476 336 616.